I stand corrected. Thanks to TodFitch for the pics. I now know what to look for in the spring. Makes sense that the brass would've been chrome plated. Thanks again for the topic and the responses. Again, the POC discussion group has been beneficial to me. Thanks!
Robert

For what it is worth, I doubt that the dash light switch was brass. Perhaps manufactured from brass but probably plated and it is possible that the plating has come off over the years.

Here is what my 1933 PD switch looks like (please excuse the workmanship on the dash). As far as I know it is original. I assume the 1934 PE would be similar.

Thank you all for your replies.  Robert, I'll let you know if I need a brass switch, but not for now.  I appreciate the offer.    Doran

My 1933 PD coupe has a similar hole above the left knee at the bottom of the dash. I was told it is there for a toggle switch to control the dash lights. I picked up a chrome one from a local individual with a lot of antique car parts. I was told the switch was probably brass by another POC member. I have another friend that has a lot of all types of antique car parts, and he stated that he should have an original brass one for me. The only problem is that he is in Florida, and won't be back until May. The chrome switch works fine for now. Get with me if you want me to check with him in May to see if he has two switches. I would have to know the dimensions of the holes. I took a piece of paper and a pencil and made a tracing of the holes, and then measured them later. I felt it easier that way. My dash has 3 holes, a 3/8 hole with a 1/8 hole on each side. The 1/8 holes are 1 3/16 in. apart center to center. The 1/8 holes are 5/8 in. away from the 3/8 hole center to center. Hope this helps.
Robert

Again, for whatever it may be worth---my '36 P2 instrument panel light switch has a chromed, bat-shaped, toggle about 5/8 to 3/4" long. It sticks through a hole in the part of the dash that turns under, so that the toggle points towards the floor. The far left position is off. Plymouth may have been doing this for awhile (?). Good luck!

Fr Mike

The one on my 1933 is very similar to the standard toggle switch that used to be found, and maybe still is, at electronic supply stores. The metal toggle stem is about 1/2 inch long. Mine is round in profile with a little ball at the end. Most of the new ones I have seen in the last twenty years are shaped more like a baseball bat but that would probably be close enough except for judged shows. And even there a non-marque (say AACA) show would probably have judges who would not know anyway.

I don't know the official way they are to be installed, but mine came installed so that the knob goes side to side. Toward the center of the car for on, toward the side for off. Since the car had been through several owners and a lot of bad care, I can't say for sure that it is the original switch nor that it was installed in the factory standard position.

For 1933, and I think 1934, the interior brightwork is nickel plate. The exterior is chrome. I see a lot of people who have chrome plated their interior metal pieces and it just does not look right to me. A switch with a stainless toggle on it would probably be a closer match to the original finish than a chromed metal one.

It sounds like I need to find a chromed, on-off toggle switch for the instrument panel lights.? Are there any other pertinent details, i.e. is it round in profile or flat like a paddle, does it have some kind of mounting pad, does it flip left to right or back and forth,? about how long should it be - 1/2", 3/4", etc???? Thank you for your replies, they are very helpful.? ? Regards,? Doran

Doran - the PE has an on/off switch to the left of the steering column at the bottom of the dash.  Just a toggle switch.

For whatever it may be worth in this discussion, my '36 P2 has a chromed instrument panel light toggle under the dash above the driver's left knee---off, on, dim.

There is also a threaded hole to the right of that. Anyone know what THAT is for?

Fr Mike

Not positive on the PE, put on the 1933 PE there is a small toggle switch on the lower edge of the dash above the left knee that controls the dash illumination.

Positions are dim and off. From the P15-D24 forum I understand that they improved the dash light switch by the post war era to have positions for dim, dimmer, and off. :)

Does a PE have a seperate dash light switch or do the dash lights come on with the headlights?? If it has a seperate switch. is it a toggle, rheostat or something else?? The wiring harness seems to point toward a hole in the bottom of the dash above the driver's left knee as a probable location for a dash light switch.? If that's not it, does anyone know what that hole would be for?? I appreciate your help - Doran Johnson? ?